This modernisation will significantly increase the efficiency and accuracy of machining. Until now, excess material has been removed manually and also using Vural equipment, which is reaching the end of its service life. Repairing it would not be cost-effective. The forge has therefore invested in an advanced solution – a robotic workstation that will improve production capacity by up to 40 per cent.
The robot will operate two machines
The main element of the new workstation will be a three-axis CNC machine. A robotic arm will remove forgings from the conveyor and place them for machining. The forge is currently preparing to purchase one CNC machine, but plans to add a second one in the future. ‘The robot would thus work in parallel – one would load the forgings and the other would remove them,’ explains HKS Forge technician Lukáš Andrášik. While one machine would process four forgings per minute, two machines would process up to seven forgings in the same time. This could increase processing productivity by another 40 per cent.
Innovation is the key to success
Toyota is one of HKS Forge's most important customers, which is why the plant is constantly investing in innovations that improve the quality and speed of production for this car manufacturer. ‘We really value this customer and want to show them that we can deliver innovative solutions and increase the value of our work,’ adds Andrášik. At the same time, the forge is becoming a more attractive employer for young engineers and university graduates who want to work with the latest technologies. HKS Forge proves that innovation is the key to success and further development of the plant.
DARINA KVETANOVÁ
